Alzheimer's Disease Programs Initiative - Dementia Capability in Indian Country

The objective of the Dementia-Capability in Indian Country funding opportunity is to develop and expand the dementia-capability of tribal home and community-based service systems to include the availability of dementia-capable supportive services for persons with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD), their families and their caregivers. This goal will be achieved by: 1) enhancing the ability of tribal systems and programs to embed dementia-capability in their service networks; and 2) through delivery of dementia-capable supportive services including dementia specific evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions. This project will target the delivery of dementia-capable services, supports and education in native communities. Through this program, tribal entities will work to improve the understanding of ADRD in Indian Country by developing and implementing culturally competent educational resources, as well as improving the dementia-capability of their HCBS systems through the delivery of culturally competent, dementia-capable direct services to tribal elders and their caregivers. Funded programs will include partnerships with relevant community service providers with expertise in providing services to Tribal Elders and caregivers, all projects will include engagement with their Older Americans Act Title VI nutrition and caregiver service providers. Despite the broad reach of the longstanding ACL Alzheimer’s and dementia programs, a limited percentage of resources have been dedicated to serving persons with ADRD and their caregivers, service and support gaps in Indian Country. Through this new grant opportunity, ACL is allocating funds specifically designed to meet the needs and improve the dementia capability of tribal communities. This program is designed to improve the quality and effectiveness of care and supportive services programs, as well as development and delivery of culturally competent training and consultations in support of caregivers and providers.